Ireland seeks to install 1GW of offshore wind energy capacity by 2025 to meet the country’s new energy target. The new Irish government has set a target of 5GW of installed offshore wind by 2030, media reports said.
Paul Cooley, Director of Capital Projects at SSE Renewables, told the media, “Installing operational offshore wind farms in the Irish Sea by the middle of the decade and within the lifetime of this Government will be vital in maintaining the momentum for offshore wind energy initiated by last year’s Climate Action Plan and further committed to in the new Coalition’s Programme for Government.”
The country’s readiness and openess to explore offshore wind energy is determined by a need to develop the energy sector, media reports said. In fact, Cooley is positive that the 5GW target can be exceeded if the government and the energy sector strategically collaborate.
In June, SSE Renewables identified Arklow Harbour on Ireland’s East Coast as its preferred location for operations and maintenance base. The company is Ireland’s first and only operational offshore wind farm, media reports said.
“Ireland will need to compete in a highly-competitive global offshore energy marketplace if it is going to achieve the country’s new 5GW offshore ambition,” Cooley added.